NERO D’AVOLA IGP “O RUS” WINE FROM SICILY

Nero d’Avola is the most popular autochthonous red vine of Sicily. Like many other varieties, it was introduced to the island at the time of Greek colonization.

100% Nero d’Avola

TASTING NOTES – What’s in the glass?

Nero d’Avola IGP “O Rus” retains a ruby red colour, with soft purple shades. In the nose is definitely intense, it expresses mostly fruity scents, such as plum, cherry and blueberries. The mineral notes of soil and rocks, typical of the vine, only appear at a later time. On the palate, the wine is fresh, light, thanks to its acidity that accompanies well the notes of red fruits. In addition, tannins are pungent and lively. As a young and drinkable red, Nero d’Avola IGP “O Rus” has a short length in the mouth.

FLAVOUR STYLE: Light Red

PARING – What do I pair with?

Nero d’Avola has bold fruit flavours, so it is a great wine to match with rich meaty meats. Some classic pairings include oxtail soup and beef stew, but you could easily swap BBQ burgers with bacon and cheese. Also, a lot of spices pair very well with Nero d’Avola including anise, bay leaf, sage, Asian plum sauce, so it is a good choice to match with Asian Cuisine. As a vegetarian option: black lentils and shitakes.

The wine tradition of the Russo family begins two centuries ago, in 1860. The Russo family were devoted exclusively to the cultivation of their vineyards located in the area of Solicchiata. In 1955, Don Ciccio and his son Vincenzo, the current owner, bottled the first wine, called Solicchiata. In 1968 the cellar changed its name to Rusvini until it came to today’s brand, which is Cantine Russo. Today, Vincenzo, together with his sons, Gina and Francesco, continues the wine tradition in the highest respect for the environment.

WINEMAKING NOTES – How is it made?

The harvest begins in the middle of September and farmers pick grapes by hand and put them in wooden bins. Once in the cellar, the selection of the grapes takes place in two periods, first immediately after picking and then after destemming operations, as a result, to guarantee that only completely ripe berries go to the fermentation tanks. After a soft pressing, the fermentation occurs in addition of yeast cultures in steel tanks while maceration with skins takes place at the same time. Then Nero d’Avola IGP “O Rus” goes directly to the bottling process, so it remains 3 months in the bottle before the release.

HARVEST: from September 20th to 30th

SOIL: clay and limestone

VINEYARD AGE: 15 years old

Nero d’Avola IGP “O Rus” – More Details

Federico scarponi wine selections come from the Umbria region, where typicality, tradition and territory are the main factors in his wine choices. He looks for winemakers that accurately follow the production phase from the initial point in the countryside to the final bottling stage. He believes it is necessary to keep in mind the human relationship when selecting wines, this allows for a passionate and romantic selection.

He also loves the different facets the Veneto region offers, which are still very unknown in his opinion. He has an uncontrollable love for the traditional wines produced from the Sangiovese and Nebbiolo vines.

Wine is part of Federico’s life. As a result, choosing the wine to have is an instinctive decision, which is made instantly depending on his current mood.

Federico adores casual food that carries the traditions of its place of origin. The highlight of his meal is pairing casual food with wines from important areas (like Barolo, Brunello , Chianti and Amarone). It encourages the feeling that wine isn’t a status symbol nor a luxury product, but a farmer’s product, which comes from earth and is made with blood, sweat and tears.